Nestled along the turquoise waters of the Kenai River, Cooper Landing offers some of the best fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in Alaska. Surrounded by the Kenai Mountains and part of the Chugach National Forest, this small but vibrant community attracts anglers, outdoor adventurers, and nature lovers. Whether you’re casting for salmon, hiking through scenic trails, or simply soaking up the breathtaking views, Cooper Landing delivers unforgettable experiences. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do in Cooper Landing.
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1. Fish the Legendary Kenai River
The Kenai River runs right through Cooper Landing, offering some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the world. Anglers from around the globe come here to target king salmon, sockeye salmon, and rainbow trout. The best time to fish for sockeye salmon is from mid-June to late July, while king salmon peak in June.
If you’re new to fishing in Alaska, book a guided fishing trip with a local outfitter. Expert guides provide all the gear and help you navigate the river’s fast-moving waters. We used Kenai River Float-n-Fish for a full-day guided trip. It was an amazing day on the water! Our guide, John, was absolutely the best. How he managed 4 novices salmon fishing is beyond me. We kept him hopping as he ran between us making sure our weights were right, hooks were sharp, and netting our catch for us! He taught us to get our line into the “Salmon Highway” and we came home with a whole bunch of sock-eye salmon to prove his technique works.
You don’t have to worry about anything when you book with these folks. They will deck you out with all the gear you need. You just show up (with a valid Alaska fishing license) and they take care of the rest!
2. Hike the Russian River Falls Trail
Just outside Cooper Landing, the Russian River Falls Trail offers an easy yet rewarding hike. It begins just off the access road to the Russian River Campground at milepost 52 on the Sterling Highway. This 2.3-mile trail winds through a forest of spruce and birch. It is really a leisurely stroll with a modest elevation. But it leads to a viewing platform overlooking the falls.
During July and August, you can watch sockeye salmon leap upstream toward their spawning grounds. Bears frequently gather here to fish, so bring your camera and stay alert. Be sure to hike in groups and keep the conversation going. Talking gives any nearby bears the warning they need to keep their distance. Our fishing guide, John, also recommended we take a big black garbage bag to waive at any bears who come near. This will make you look big not worth the fight. All they really want is the salmon anyway.
Walking along the Russian River was the be-all-end-all moment for my husband on our 2008 trip. We came to a place where we saw dozens of fishermen lined up, almost shoulder to shoulder, pulling out one salmon after another. I was barely able to pry Mike away from the place. If we hadn’t had a train to catch in Anchorage it wouldn’t have been such a big deal, but Denali was next on the itinerary and the Alaska Railroad waits for no man.
So, then and there I promised Mike we would return to Cooper Landing for an extended stay when he retired. I made good on that promise this summer and he got to stand in that river for several days and pull in all the salmon he wanted!
3. Explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge spans over 1.9 million acres, with Cooper Landing serving as one of its gateways. Hike the Skilak Lookout Trail for panoramic views of Skilak Lake and the surrounding mountains. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, bears, bald eagles, and lynx.
For a more relaxed experience, drive the Skilak Lake Loop Road. I talk a lot about hiking in my posts for those of you who are still into this. But as I get a little older, I find I am really just as happy driving around and taking short walks here and there. The 18-mile Skilak Lake Loop Road is a gravel road offering access to multiple viewpoints and trailheads. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially during early morning and evening hours.
4. Go Rafting on the Kenai River
Experience the Kenai River from a different perspective by booking a rafting trip. Local guides offer both scenic floats and whitewater adventures. A scenic float along the Upper Kenai River passes through the stunning Kenai Canyon, with steep rock walls and glacial waters creating a dramatic backdrop. For more excitement, opt for a whitewater trip through the Kenai River rapids. Alaska River Adventures in Cooper Landing is a great provider of both scenic floats and more adventurous whitewater trips.
We combined our Upper Kenai float trip with our fishing trip. Our guide from Kenai River Float-n-Fish was a true naturalist and was able to tell us all about the area as we floated the Upper Kenai. While I love the excitement of a whitewater trip, this was a beautiful and relaxing way to learn about the nature and history of the area.
5. Visit Cooper Creek and Quartz Creek
For a quieter fishing or camping experience, head to Cooper Creek or Quartz Creek. Both areas offer excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden trout. The campgrounds here provide direct access to the creeks, making them ideal for an overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Quartz Creek is also popular for gold panning. Bring a gold pan and try your luck—some visitors still manage to find small flecks of gold in the creek’s waters. For a little more of a sure thing, try your luck with Prospector John!
6. Visit the Cooper Landing Historical Society and Museum
Learn about Cooper Landing’s history at the Cooper Landing Historical Society and Museum. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing the area’s early gold mining days and the development of the Kenai River fishery. The museum is housed in two historical buildings, an old schoolhouse, and an old lean-to cabin. The collection of items in this small museum is amazing. Too many people skip this experience and they really shouldn’t as it made Cooper Landing come alive.
Volunteers often share stories about the town’s history and the challenges early settlers faced in this rugged environment. Judith was the volunteer docent the day we stopped by. She was charming and informative. Meeting and talking with her alone made the visit a success. Like so many things in the area, the museum is only open in the summer, or by appointment, so time you visit wisely.
7. Paddle on Kenai Lake
The bright blue waters of Kenai Lake create a stunning setting for kayaking or paddle-boarding. Rent a kayak or join a guided paddle tour to explore the lake’s calm coves and hidden beaches. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, providing incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the peaks reflect off the water.
Maybe a tandem kayak is your speed. You and your partner can set the perfect ryhthm as you glide through these majestic waters. What a perfect getaway!
8. Take a Scenic Drive on the Sterling Highway
The Sterling Highway runs through Cooper Landing, offering one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. Follow the highway toward Homer from Anchorage for breathtaking views. As you wind through the Kenai Mountains, the landscape shifts constantly. Dense spruce forests open up to sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks, and the brilliant turquoise of the Kenai River sparkles beside the road. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead, and moose grazing near the shoulder of the road.
Pull off at designated viewpoints for wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. This isn’t just a drive, it’s a front-row seat to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery.
9. Spot Wildlife Along the Riverbanks
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of any visit to Cooper Landing. Along the Kenai River and Skilak Lake, you’re likely to spot bald eagles perched in trees, beavers building dams, and otters playing in the water. In late summer, bears often appear along the riverbanks to feed on salmon.
Be sure to follow wildlife viewing ethics the local guidance for wildlife sightings. It is never a good idea to hike alone and remember to be a “chatty Kathy” as the chitchat serves as a warning to the bears to keep their distance. Because truth be told, they are just as scared of us as we are them! Keep a safe distance and bring binoculars for the best views. And, of course, have your camera ready, but don’t let it get in the way of enjoying the experience in the moment or being safe!
10. Enjoy Local Dining & Lodging
Cooper Landing may be small, but it offers some excellent dining options. Stop at Gwin’s Lodge Roadhouse, a local institution known for its hearty Alaskan fare, including fresh-caught salmon and halibut. They also serve an awesome breakfast! This was an easy stop for us as we stayed in one of the nearby lodges. The wait staff (particulary Corey) is terrific and there is free Wi-Fi.
Our cabin had a kitchenette and access to a charcoal grill, so we were able to make a delicious fresh-caught salmon dinner a couple of evenings! All it needed was a little pepper! We also enjoyed the brisket nachos at Two Brothers. It seems crazy to go from Texas to Alaska and eat brisket, but these were to die for. For a more casual meal, head to Wildman’s, where you can grab a sandwich or ice cream while sitting on the outdoor patio.
Tips for Visiting Cooper Landing
Where to Stay: We stayed at Gwin’s Lodge. It came highly recommended by people I know and trust. Unfortunately, the lodge has had a change in ownership and the place has gone downhill fast. It may be OK for a bunch of men who only want to fish, but I will personally never return or recommend it. Upon arrival, 8 of our 18 light bulbs were out, the ceiling fan in the bedroom didn’t work, a panel in the bathroom door was loose and popped open, and the knob on the AC wasn’t attached.
The only thing that they fixed were 7 of the 8 lightbulbs. But then I could see the dirt and cobwebs. So I was almost relieved when 3 more went out! Oh yeah, the hot water was extremely intermittent and limited. I tried to speak with the owner/manager. But he was never there and did not contact me, as requested, so we could resolve the issue without this scathing review. I know Alaska is expensive but at $300 a night I expect more.
All this said, there were several groups of men who seemed happy as could be to stay at Gwin’s. But these did not seem to include the men there with wives and children. I will say that Rob in their tackle shop was always nice and tried to help.
There are also many other wonderful places to stay. For other lodging options consider Kenai Riverside Lodge or Drifter’s Lodge. Or better yet, for just a little bit more you can stay at the Princess Kenai Wilderness Lodge. Your Travel Agent will be able to book that for you as part of a cruise package or a stand-alone booking. This lodge is beautifully appointed and CLEAN.
Other Tips
Best Time to Visit: The summer months from June to early September offer the best weather and the highest chances of spotting wildlife. Many places close down in the winter months. Be sure to check for when the salmon are running. The first run tends to be in June but these are smaller fish. The big sock-eye run along the Kenai occurs the very end of July to early August.
Packing: Bring layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Even in summer, temperatures can vary significantly.
Safety: Carry a big black trash bag and bear spray when hiking or fishing, and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Transportation: Renting a car is essential for exploring the area. I really like to rent from Turo in Alaska! There is not any public transportation to speak of and you can’t walk everywhere you want to go.
What do you want to experience in Cooper Landing?
This small town offers endless opportunities for adventure. What do you want to do first?
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